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Buyer's Guide: The Best Monitors 
Sony Alpha NEX-3
| Caractéristiques | |||
| Sensor | CMOS 14 MP, 23.5 x 15.6 mm | ||
| Lens | -, 18-55 mm kit lens f/3.5-5.6 | ||
| Optical stabilisation | Yes | ||
| Internal/external memory | - / MS Duo / SD - SDXC | ||
| Sensitivity (ISO range) | 200 - 12800 ISO | ||
 Show all specifications
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| Video mode | 1280 x 720 pixels / N.C. fps |
| Power source | NP-FW50 battery |
| Dimensions/Weight | 117 x 63 x 33 / N.C. v69 |
 Hide specifications | |
Franck Mée
Translator: Catherine Barraclough
Test date: October 21, 2010
Translator: Catherine Barraclough
Test date: October 21, 2010
Attack of the Clones
The Sony NEX-3 is an entry-level version of the NEX-5. The inner workings of both cameras are basically the same; they have the same sensor, the same electronics and, obviously, are designed for use with the same lenses (Sony E mount). As a result, in this review, we'll just outline the main differences between the two models. For the rest, we recommend you look at our review of the Sony NEX-5.
Handling
The main difference between the NEX-3 and the NEX-5 is their design. The NEX-3 has a different outer casing to its higher-end counterpart.
The NEX-3 casing is made entirely from plastic and is more bulky than the NEX-5. Here, the camera body is big enough to incorporate the lens mount so it doesn't overhang like on the NEX-5. The grip handle is also not quite as deep set, and protrudes less than in the NEX-5. This will make the NEX-3 less easy to hold for some of you out there.
The controls are practically identical, and both cameras have the same buttons and layout. You can therefore find out more about the camera's handling in our review of the NEX-5. There is, however, one notable difference: the on/off switch and shutter-release button have been grouped together and moved further towards the back of the camera (screen side), so you might find yourself folding round your index finger in a slightly uncomfortable matter when taking a photo. In any case, it's less pleasant to use than the button on the NEX-5.
Responsiveness
In this field, the NEX-3 is exactly the same as the NEX-5, i.e. pretty quick once it gets going but a little slow to start up.
Picture Quality
Here too, the NEX-3 is the same as the NEX-5, i.e. excellent with the 18-55 mm lens. We haven't been able to test a final version of the 16 mm lens, but we've heard it's less good than the zoom.Video
This is the second major difference between the NEX-3 and the NEX-5, as the NEX-3 films 720p HD video only. Other features of the video mode (sound recording, basic operation etc.) are exactly the same as in the NEX-5. In other words, the video mode is effective and generally quite good. However, given that the internal electronics of both cameras are, in theory, identical, limiting video to 720p seems more like a marketing strategy than actual technical restrictions.Pluses
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Very nice tilting screen
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Picture quality and noise handling
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720p HD video mode with stereo sound and continuous autofocus
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Sweep panorama and long exposure with no tripod
Minuses
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Useless flash port
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Not enough direct access to important settings
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Not easy for everybody to hold
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A little slow to start up
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Plastic replaces the magnesium casing of the NEX-5
The Sony NEX-3 isn't as stylish or as compact as the NEX-5, but it's also less expensive. Since picture quality in the two models is identical, the NEX-3 is an excellent choice for anyone who's happy with 720p video and who isn't looking for a flashy design or high-end handling.
